Burning storm debris would hasten climate change

I've seen several suggestions in the Bradenton Herald that the storm debris should be burned. I find this a little ironic. The ocean is warming, the storms are getting stronger and the sea is rising, and we're doing our best to add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

All this debris should be chipped and taken to knowledgeable farmers that know taking care of the soil is their first priority. Adding this chipped organic matter will go a long way to restoring life to the soil. Years of using chemical fertilizer has killed much of the life in the soil and results in needing more chemical fertilizer.

Burning of organic material such as yard waste only adds to the CO2 admissions. Every individual in this country needs to realize this and avoid burning trimmings, leaves and household waste. Those with a 1/2-acre or more can do a lot of composting.

We can defeat climate change if we all work together and with the help of other countries. Just burning to get rid of trimmings is inexcusable. Small fires for outdoor cooking need not be a bonfire.

This story was originally published November 3, 2017 at 4:28 PM with the headline "Burning storm debris would hasten climate change."